Top 10 most improved cars in the past 15 years

Sometimes all it takes is a brush up here and a little switch there to turn a car from dull to extraordinary. Cars.com has compiled a list of the top 10 most improved cars in the past 15 years.

By John-Henry Perera

on October 15, 2013 8:43 AM

Photo: Unspecified/Toyota Motor Company

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Turning something old into something new can be a hefty endeavor. Cars.com has a list of the top 10 most-improved cars in the past 15 years. All the vehicles in this list have undergone significant redesigns and improvements.

Turning something old into something new can be a hefty endeavor. Cars.com has a list of the top 10 most-improved cars in the past 15 years. All the vehicles in this list have undergone significant redesigns ... more

Photo: David Mcnew, Getty Images

Turning something old into something new can be a hefty endeavor.... Photo-5171804.72125 - Houston Chronicle

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2013 Dodge Dart Limited

Model: 2013 Dodge Dart Limited

Reason: Dodge resurrected a decade-old nameplate in the Dart. Its predecessor, the Caliber was in need of a makeover, and the new Dart came with better looks and better driving ability.

Reason: The Cruze got impressive quietness, a roomy cabin and nimble steering, all qualities lacked by its predecessor, the 2005-2010 Chevy Cobalt. The Cruze makes Chevy competitive in the small-car category.

Reason: The new Impala has taken the car from one of the least desirable in the
full-size car segment to one of the very best options. It hits the sweet
spot between ride and handling, with the balance of a small car but
comfort and features of a big sedan.

Reason: The Sonic was a much-needed boost to GM's small-car reputation after the
disappointing Aveo. The Sonic improves on the Aveo's low crash ratings,
competes well on fuel efficiency against other small cars, and most
important, like any good subcompact, it drives like a bigger car.

Reason: The 2004 Prius was a car ahead of its time, a hybrid hatchback whose
combined 46 mpg would impress even today's shoppers. Pop culture hasn't
always been kind to the Prius, but the iconic second generation cemented
Toyota's image as a green automaker.

Reason: With looks plucked from the 1964 original, the fifth-generation Mustang
inspired a wave of retro styling across several other automakers. The
new Mustang boasted a brash V-8 option, a retro twin-cowl dashboard and
an available Shaker stereo that blasted an impossible 1,000 watts.

Reason: The 1999 Odyssey brought Honda into the minivan big leagues, replacing
the undersized, wagon-like model from overseas. This redesign replaced
swinging doors with the traditional minivan sliding door, gave it a much
more powerful engine and the cargo room expected of any minivan.